Product Description

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To some planting a church seems an impossible dream; others have entirely unrealistic ideals of how easily it can be done. This helpful guide recognises that no church starts out the same and there are several different models that can be followed. Coming from an author with real experience and including real-world case studies from a wide range of settings, this is a tremendously practical and helpful introduction that will lay the foundations for a group of Christian people, a church, to be committed to one another; praying, learning and growing together; seeking to be healthy, flourishing and biblically grounded.

Publisher's Description

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To some planting a church seems an impossible dream; others have entirely unrealistic ideals of how easily it can be done. This helpful guide recognises that no church starts out the same and there are several different models that can be followed. Coming from an author with real experience and including real-world case studies from a wide range of settings, this is a tremendously practical and helpful introduction that will lay the foundations for a group of Christian people, a church, to be committed to one another; praying, learning and growing together; seeking to be healthy, flourishing and biblically grounded.

Author Bio

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Graham Beynon is minister of Grace Church, Cambridge. He is also the course director for 'TEAM' (Training for East Anglia Ministry). His PhD research was on the theology of Isaac Watts. He is married to Charis and they have three children

Editorial Reviews

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"This little book will introduce you to the many different ways that people go about planting churches. Given that the Church is God's chosen instrument to save the world, what could be more important than learning about how new churches can begin?"
"This little book will introduce you to the many different ways that people go about planting churches. Given that the Church is God's chosen instrument to save the world, what could be more important than learning about how new churches can begin?"
crisp and clear... strong practical edge and includes excellent case studies.
crisp and clear... strong practical edge and includes excellent case studies.
"an extensive section of case studies (mostly Uk-based) which I found interesting as well as enlightening. This feature alone is enough to commend the book to those interested in church planting in the United Kingdom."
"an extensive section of case studies (mostly Uk-based) which I found interesting as well as enlightening. This feature alone is enough to commend the book to those interested in church planting in the United Kingdom."
"It reads very well and is a strong addition to this literature."
"It reads very well and is a strong addition to this literature."
"The goal of Planting for the Gospel is that Jesus would use us to build His church for His glory. Graham Beynon provides a series of preliminary ideas to encourage us to think of church planting as a fruitful means for making disciples and spreading the Gospel. This resource is very helpful for mother churches to think strategically about planting a daughter church and also for young pastors to explore their calling in following the will of God as bearer of God's mission to people of all nations."

"The goal of Planting for the Gospel is that Jesus would use us to build His church for His glory. Graham Beynon provides a series of preliminary ideas to encourage us to think of church planting as a fruitful means for making disciples and spreading the Gospel. This resource is very helpful for mother churches to think strategically about planting a daughter church and also for young pastors to explore their calling in following the will of God as bearer of God's mission to people of all nations."

"Christians can easily ascribe to Graham Beynon's desire: "to see God glorified by his gospel being spread and his church growing". But we often do not see as he does the consequence of such a desire: "This will inevitably mean more churches and so church planting". And even when we see that inevitability, we often do not see the complexities of the task. Graham has done a great service by teasing out some of the many issues involved in church planting. I warmly commend this book to all who would like to follow through on the inevitable outcome of their evangelistic desire."
"Christians can easily ascribe to Graham Beynon's desire: "to see God glorified by his gospel being spread and his church growing". But we often do not see as he does the consequence of such a desire: "This will inevitably mean more churches and so church planting". And even when we see that inevitability, we often do not see the complexities of the task. Graham has done a great service by teasing out some of the many issues involved in church planting. I warmly commend this book to all who would like to follow through on the inevitable outcome of their evangelistic desire."
"An invaluable resource for laymen and professional clergy alike, Beynon's text is an essential guide for navigating the waters of church planting. Rife with resources essential to the development and cultivation of the church plant, Planting for the Gospel is a multi-faceted jewel that sparkles with ideas on church planting approaches, avenues, venues and systems."
" It is simple without being simplistic. Accessible without being predictable. Useful without being boring. Informative without being prescriptive. Graham Beynon has done us all a huge favour in writing this, and I very much hope it helps provide an effective way into one of the most pressing and urgent needs of our day - the littering of our world with communities of light, aka. churches!"

Since my college days, I have been fascinated with the idea of church planting. This is true pioneering in an age when many churches are dying out or slowing being made irrelevant by their own instance on tradition and man-centered theology. So, I was excited when I was asked to join the blog tour for Planting for the Gospel.

My first thought after completing this book is that the title is a bit misleading. When I read, "Planting for the Gospel" I expect some treatment of the gospel. That is missing in this book. The message of the church is not covered within these pages. That was unfortunate.

However, while this book is certainly not a comprehensive guide to church planting, it is a worthwhile read to anyone considering get involved with a church plant or even thinking about the topic in general. Chapter one lays out a great Biblical motivation for churches to be about the business of planting other churches. The remainder of the first half of the book gives you several possible models to follow and options to consider while planting your church. Mr. Beynon does not give much in the way of opinion as to his thoughts as to which model is best.

The second half of the book fits nicely with the first half as we are allowed to watch each of these different models at work in actual situations. Beynon shows us case study after case study of church plants both in England and here in the U.S. However, these are very short case studies without a lot of information. Yet, a church website is given at the end of each study in case you would like to follow-up and receive more details.

Some various points of agreement and disagreement:

Pages 49-50 - It seems as though the need for a written Constitution is downplayed. In an age where anyone is a plaintiff, it seems unwise not to have a church Constitution as early as possible. I would think as soon as the church begins to meet regularly and expand, a written constitution containing office doctrine, policies and membership requirements should be adopted as soon as possible.

Page 52 - When considering where to plant your church the author writes, "There can sometimes be nervousness about stepping into another church's Ã¢â¬Ëpatch'. We should be respectful and communicate well, but we must also remember that there are so many people around who need to hear the gospel we are very unlikely to cramp each other's style." I could not agree more. Amen!

Page 55 - Many small churches struggle in the area of children's ministry. As one who has been on staff of two small churches, I have witnessed first hand how some families will never consider a small church without a thriving ministry for their kids. But, this book reminds us of "_the prime responsibility of parents in teaching and training their children." In other words, this should not prevent one from joining a church plant. Again, a hearty Amen!

Page 56 - Does a young church need a pastor? Beynon says no. "_There is no need for a pastor. What there is, is a need for leadership, teaching and pastoral oversight. The key question is whether or not those things are in place, rather than assuming they need to be delivered through a paid staff member." I agree with the sentiment behind this, but with great caution. Yes, I don't believe a new church plant needs a full-time, paid pastor or leader, but leadership should be established early. Elders are apart of a healthy church. This, of course, depends on the model of the church plant. If this is one church planting another, then at the beginning the mother church my assume much of the leadership responsibilities. But, at some point, a clear distinction between mother and daughter churches much be established and that would be through the leadership.

Overall, the book is short and divided into easy-to-read chapters that make it an enjoyable read. The information is valuable and thought-provoking but not comprehensive.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher for review. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.